The cries of the women in a tiny hospital are as harrowing as they are haunting. I will never forget what I felt when I walked into a hospital room filled with the walking wounded in the town of Bukavu in Eastern Congo.

"This a pain worse than death," says 28-year-old Henriette Nyota. She's one of hundreds of women who've sought treatment at Panzi Hospital for a crime that continues to be committed here on an almost daily basis -- multiple rapes by men in uniform with the intention, aid workers say, of destroying their child-bearing capabilities.

The story is as complicated as the Congo itself. The men in uniform are members of Congo's recently integrated army. Some of the men are from one ethnic group and they're raping and mutilating women from a different ethnic group in ways that can only be described as barbaric and medieval. After all, this is peacetime Congo. The civil war that killed more than three million people ended nearly three years ago. This isn't supposed to be happening today.

"These animals insert knives and other sharp objects into the women after raping them continuously for days at a time," says Dr. Denis Mukwege Mukengere, the lone physician working here. He's just finished a six-hour operation to repair one woman's uterus. She'd walked 300 miles to get here, exhausted, traumatized and overcome with excruciating pain.

"They seem to do this to prevent another generation of warriors from being born," Dr. Mukengere tells us.

He takes us on a tour of his hospital. Outside, in the corridors, new arrivals have just been dropped off by a Good Samaritan. I count a dozen of them, some with infant children, others too old to have children, all victims of unimaginable atrocities. He counsels them in his slow, methodical way and asks his small army of nurses to assist them. He's a kind of Mother Teresa, a person who has come to help the helpless. This hospital has become a haven for Congo's suffering masses, an oasis surrounded by horror and hatred.

We enter one of six wards dedicated to victims of sexual violence. Dr. Mukengere introduces us to 19-year-old Helene Wamunzila. She first came here five years ago after being raped repeatedly. Dr. Mukengere was able to stitch her back together and eventually discharged her. He says she cried the day she left, pleading with him to let her stay here because she said the evildoers were waiting for her back in her village. He didn't listen then and now regrets his decision. She's returned, badly mutilated physically and permanently scarred psychologically.

"I wish I'd let her stay," he says, shaking his head.

Victims of these horrible atrocities lie helplessly in bed, colostomy bags hanging below. Hanging over their heads is the fear that not only might they not be able to have children, but that they may have contracted HIV/AIDS, an almost guaranteed death sentence in this part of the world.

"Four out of 10 end up being HIV positive," Dr. Mukengere tells us. "It's almost as though God is punishing these people in the worst possible way."

Rose Mujikandi, 24, tells us 14 men broke into her parents' house two months ago. She says they killed her father and mother, two brothers and infant sister, but not before they had their way with her.

"It's the last thing my father and mother saw before they were killed. Can you imagine living the rest of my life knowing this is the image they went to heaven with?" she asks, tears streaming down her face. "But I have faith in God. What happened to me happened for a reason," she concludes.

In an open-air recreation area, more women, hundreds of them, talk quietly among themselves. They see Dr. Mukengere and one of them breaks into song. The others follow, but some are too traumatized to think of singing. The song is as haunting as it is defiant. I ask the doctor what it means.

"They're telling the men that they will never be broken, that their spirits will never be broken," he says.

The song ends and I turn to one of the women. She's using a cane to walk because of the damage she's received from days of multiple rapes and mutilation. She gives me her name only as Tintsi and says she's 21 years old. She was brought here by her relatives on a stretcher for a short distance, she says, only 25 miles. She tells me she was gang-raped by 15 men for eight days and eight nights. She just recently began walking again and the cane helps her get around.

"They can destroy my womanhood," she says, "but they can never destroy my spirit."

I ask her where she gets her strength and I almost know what she will say before the words leave her mouth.

"God," she whispers. Then, as if for emphasis, she cries aloud, "Only God can save the women of Congo." The women around her applaud. Some shake their heads in agreement. Others simply stare straight ahead.

I turn to Dr. Mukengere and ask him why everyone here refers to God after being the victims of such atrocities.

"God is the only thing they can hold on to that no one can take away from them. They've lost their dignity. They've lost their womanhood. They have nothing left," he says. "But if you ask me, God forgot about Congo a long time ago."

I wonder if he believes this. If he did, would he be here doing what he's been doing every day for the past three years?

I turn to leave this place and can't help feeling sick to my stomach. Every time I feel things are getting better on this continent that I grew up in, this land I proudly call my home, this place that has so much to offer, I'm confronted with the stark reality that all is not well in the place many people proudly call "Mother Africa."

We need to do more. We need to take care of our mothers, our sisters, our daughters and our grandmothers. Most of all we need to make life better for the generations that are yet to come.

We'll have to start somewhere, and the Congo it seems, is as good a place as any.

This is why a strong UN is needed. A united military force that could react quickly and secure a country while negotiations are taking place would allow aid workers to help these women. I would gladly spend every dime from Iraq on peacekeeping in the Congo.

Posted By Mike Youngstown, OH : 12:56 PM ET

Thank you for writing about this situation. I was really angry at CNN yesterday after someone went on and on about American Idol but made absolutely no mention of this story, which I later found on the CNN website.

These women are my heroes, my reason for getting up in the morning. Their strength in the face of such adversity is unbelievable.

Thanks again for the post.

Posted By Rhonda, Chapel Hill, NC : 1:00 PM ET

Hi Jeff, Thank you for bringing this to our attention..I watched your report on AC360 last night..There are simply no words I can think of to say..But Thank you and now that I'm informed it's up to me to do my part, which I intend to do..Please keep bringing us what is going on in that part of the World..There is far too little coverage in our news..Take Care

Posted By Lorie Ann, Buellton,Calif. : 1:22 PM ET

Jeff, this must be a difficult thing for you to do, to report on these never-ending atrocities in Africa. You are quite a human being and I am so glad that you have the strength to make these stories real to us so that we can get involved in some way. I am glad that you have a forum in CNN and AC360 to tell these truths about the world.

I watched Oprah at Auschwitz yesterday, and although we all know the story, it is still hard to believe that the world waited for three years before intervening and ending Hitler's evil. History is repeating itself in Africa. The continent is destroying itself. Why? And why is the world allowing it?

Posted By Paige B., Austin, TX : 1:31 PM ET

If the US spent more time and money helping the injustices of millions in Africa, it would do much more to win the "hearts and minds" of the world including poor Muslims. The US should redirect resources from the Iraqi farce, propping Saudi elites & funding Haliburton's war bonanza. What a waste of humanity!

Posted By David Y., Toronto, Canada : 1:38 PM ET

Africa seems to exist in an alternative universe. Why does it get so little attention, so little help? Could it be because there is no oil to be stolen? No short term huge profits to be made?

Posted By Susan, Sunnyvale, CA : 1:45 PM ET

Kudos again, Jeff. I'm sitting here listening to the powers in DC beating the "racist" drum over Latino illegal immigration while ignoring the plight of Africa except for those who have sea lanes, oil, yellow cake and diamonds. To add insult to injury, the "pro amnesty" folk in DC would reserve 2/3s of the lottery visas (mostly for Africans) for those with advanced degrees. I would guess that's the opposite of what Africa needs. I'm embarrassed beyond words by the behavior of those in power. Bet they'll be in Church on Sunday shaking everyone's hand, talking about the recovery of Barbaro and finding the remains of Jimmy Hoffa.

Posted By linda, bella vista, ar : 2:04 PM ET

The Congressmen can not even see the illegal immigrants as people here in our midst working and living with us everyday.

Congo, a continent away?

It's a tragedy that our leadership is so out of touch with the realities of this world.

Posted By Keneth Alden Topeka, KS : 2:06 PM ET

It makes me sick that this is barely a national news story in the U.S. Yesterday, I found a story about a famous chicken that had died. That made national news.

God help us if we let this become another Rwanda. I'm just worried we already have.

Posted By Linda, Minneapolis, MN : 2:15 PM ET

As I have traveled throughout this world I have come to believe that there are two great causes of evil such as this; Ignorance and Testosterone. Unfortunately, both are in abundance.

Posted By Kyle, Odenton MD : 2:15 PM ET

This is terribly sad. It also hits close to home and is of no surprise to me. I work with someone from Africa who lost many immediate family members during the civil war. Upon his return from Africa last week, it is sad to say that this terrible inhumane treatment has no end in sight as of right now. We need to shift our involvement from Iraq to Africa. They are much in need of our help. The US needs to show the world we care about humanity - not oil.

Posted By Jessica, NY : 2:17 PM ET

I am sick to my stomach reading this article. It is absolutely horrible that this goes on in our world today. But I have to ask, where does the money go that our country and other countries gives these African countries? This needs to stop. But it seems to me that Congo has to be the one to stop it. It seems that the US and the UN and the other countries that can help, can only do so much. I am sure this goes on in other African countries, but those countries are the ones who need to stop it.

Posted By Jamie Olive Branch, MS : 2:24 PM ET

This is the pathetic result of blindly worshipping a god who, if it exists, surely does nothing to help people like this woman.

What kind of god lets a raped and tortured woman additionally contract the HIV virus?

I feel nothing but sympathy for this victim, but she should blame her god for her circumstances.

Posted By Steve Novak, Lyons, Colorado : 2:24 PM ET

After reading this article, I had to consider that what is even more preposterous is the fact that in the United States, approximately 1.2 million women are forcibly raped each year (National Organization for Women). We haven't had a civil war in over a hundred years. Is this a problem of politics or sexism? A display of control and degredation over an entire group of people? Even within the United States, this country seems to ignore crimes that, if pursued, would not directly benefit our capatalist nature.

Posted By Renee Macon, GA : 2:29 PM ET

This story is heart wrenching. By bringing these stories to the public, hopefully there will be action. It should make everyone appreciate living in the United States.

Posted By Jess, Paris KY : 2:31 PM ET

This story is a reminder that, no matter how far we think we've progresses as Humans, we, as a species, are still capable of unspeakable horrors.

It is beyond my conmprehension how the people who commit such terrible acts on other human beings can live with themselves.

To me, this story weighs far more heavily on my heart and is of far greater concern than some ridiculous "War on Terror" and the spread of co-called "Freedom"

Posted By Jesse Watts, Calgary, AB : 2:36 PM ET

The US should devote more time to humanity helping Africa there is so much suffering. It is so sad how these women suffer daily. I admire their Faith in God because God is all we have to depend on in this world.

Posted By Alayna Louisville, KY : 2:36 PM ET

If youve ever wondered why other nations call the U.S. the devil and why they call us evil. think of the old saying, evil prevails when good men stand and do nothing. its a country of freedom and we take that freedom and produced a nation of greedy selfish people. its human nature. what a shame... you would have thought the congo was fine if it were not for the news.

Posted By michael santiago, rochester, NY : 2:39 PM ET

I find it interesting that you hardly hear of these atrocities. I can only believe deep in my soul that the only reason these things are allowed to go on is that the region has nothing of financial interest to our politicians. Iraq should never have been and the money spent in Iraq could be well used here. Makes you also wonder what part race plays in all of this...

Posted By Ron, Raleigh, NC : 2:43 PM ET

Thank you Jeff for bringing this out in the limelight. We applaud you for your work, now we pray that since we as a world know what's going on, do something about it. Let's do something!! Let's not let this barbaric acts continue. Let's rescue these helpless women, and shed some light on their lives. Oprah, among others, has already stepped up...let's follow suit.

Posted By Suzanna. San Francisco, CA. : 2:51 PM ET

How trivial my own problems seem in comparison. How blind my government seems to be. Where are the "rights" of these women? Where are the billions to help them? Diverted to Haliburton? As I write this, there is a gentleman speaking from the Senate about keeping people out of "harm's way".

Such hypricrosy. Liberty hangs her head in shame.

Posted By joan san jose california : 2:52 PM ET

Hello ,It is really heart wernching to hear their stories and sometimes make me feel that such horry and evil people do exist in this world.,what is difference between an animal and these perperators.,It is really amazing to see that they are praising GOD ,i feel so humbled ,i couldnt stop but cry and feel the pain ,Coming from a colonial country sometimes i feel occupation by West was a good thing ,which brought in human values which are otherwise not considered and just not part of the culture.I dont understand why the world doesnt stand up and punish the perperators ,why doesnt a F16 fly of any country and finish off these despeakable horrible perperators.

Lastly i dont know how to help i would be glad to help in any form even financially to any of these poor humans ,who can praise GOD inspite of the horrors.

God bless them .,I hope to see a day without such stories happening for real.

I am shocked.They will be in my prayers.

Posted By Prasad,Atlanta,GA : 2:58 PM ET

Why does it surprise anyone we aren't doing anything about this?

We couldn't be bothered to stop the Taliban - who also committed terrible attrocities against women... UNTIL they threatened the oil controlled by the businesses run by various members of the current administration.

Face it folks, the plight of women anywhere is of no consequence to the current administrations of this world until there is a dollar value attached to them.

Posted By SGR, Austin, Texas : 3:00 PM ET

As a French Citizen leaving in NYC I know that my country owns a big part of responsibility in the wars and poverty that still disfigure Africa today. In the face of such horrific pictures, I realize how my leaving in NYC for 8 years has taught me perhaps one the most important lessons of my life (much like the spirits of these heroic women calling us from the middle of nowhere, way down where our specie, our race - called "HUMANITY" - originated): Never give up and always stand-up for your dream in the tiniest/greatest way you can. At least 2 pragmatic ways immediately come to mind:

1. Awareness: My VISA is up in a few months and God willing if I am meant to return to France, I will make sure to share my experience so that young generations there can learn from it. Much like Slavery in the US the Colonization era needs to be confronted in Europe for what it was -- a crime against HUMANITY, whose effects - poverty, illiteracy, corruption, war, etc. - can still be felt today. Reports like these need to be spread by news desks around the world. Furthermore Children in rich countries need to be educated to be able to relate and children in poor countries need to be educated to have an equal opportunity to survive and rise. As rightly said earlier the world cannot witness another Holocaust in Africa. Among all rich countries, America is best positioned today to teach these important lessons, through collaboration between leaders from the African-American but also Jewish and Muslim diasporas in cooperation with leaders in African countries, such as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Liberia for example, I would love to see Oprah with Ellen...

2. Economy: by enforcing fair trade and putting pressure on the WTO, the AMF, etc. to ensure that commodities-rich countries like Congo get paid a fair price for their export, by funding micro-finance programs (much like the one created by eBay's founder targeted at small local -- often women -- entrepreneurs), and hopefully one day by enforcing new legislation worldwide that would require western multinationals to reinvest a portion of their profits locally in the countries they chose to operate in (much like federal tax at a global level) where can we start lobbying for this?

Posted By Catherine, New York, NY : 3:14 PM ET

Hearing about these atrocities and others happening around the world, it just really makes me question even more the intentions behind the war in Iraq. Obviously Hussein wasn't a good leader by any stretch, but when hearing about the tragedies in the Congo and Darfur, the potential threats in Pakistan and Iran, it just seems like a corporate hoax that got this country caught in the quagmire of Iraq and left others to die.

Posted By Emma Russell, Downingtown, PA : 3:16 PM ET

thank you cnn for this incredible stroy,this atrocity have been going for long.now the world has an opportunity to see what it is to be a ciongolee woman...and to be a victim of decade old conflict. keep it up Anderson we love you much.

Posted By john aguma van nuys california : 3:16 PM ET

May Allah make these women, and their families, of those who are in the highest realms of paradise. For they have suffered as no people would want to suffer. May Allah grant them any and all reliefs that are available on this Earth. May we all carry the dignity that they have; and may we all act. For we can never say now, that we did not know.

Posted By Fatima Ali-Salaam, Boston, MA : 3:17 PM ET

What horrendous acts. We all should be in constant prayer over this and other atrocities. I wonder if something would be done if it were men being raped........ Something MUST be done. The links listed under "How you can help" weren't very helpful.

Posted By Sandra Singleton, Baton Rouge, LA : 3:27 PM ET

Dear Mr. Koinange,

Please continue to share this information about the tragedies and the faith of these people of Africa. I praise God for them and everyone who will help. I know it takes more than tears it takes action. I only hope more people will take action and give money. It is so heartbreaking that human life is based on your value in the eyes of man. I wonder if this were a European country with non-African women and men involved, would this nonsense go on.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matt 5:7

Posted By PC Notice, Landover, MD : 3:36 PM ET

Jeff - Thank you for reporting this important story. This is REAL news. A friend of min was a humanitarian worker in the DRC and often send me messages with such horrible tales. She herself traveled with armed guards for her own safety sometimes. It's disgusting as Anderson reported that UN workers are paying for prostitutes in this same nation where they are supposed to be helping women and children victims of violence. The U.S. government needs to withdraw from Iraq and send troops to DRC and Sudan. I have heard it said of the atrocities in Rwanda 10 years ago that a force the size of the NYC police department probably could have stopped the genocide of thousands. So, why is our government failing to try and stop these modern day killers and rapists?

Posted By Janina, Orlando, FL : 3:40 PM ET

Maybe if the Congo had OIL, Bush (we) would already be there helping.....

Posted By Chris Stanley, Akron, OH : 3:59 PM ET

I read the comments and it's at least encouraging, a little: we know now that there are people somewhere who are hurting, and it makes us want to help.

Prayers are great but at some point, somebody needs to quit praying and start doing. Allow me to suggest the one thing that would really help these women, and everyone who has suffered because the strong oppress the weak.

Teach the women to fight.

Once upon a time, I was a helpless little girl, easily overpowered by a larger man. The solution, I realized, was simple. I went out and earned a black belt. I've never had another problem, and I fear nothing. I have power, I am strong, I need not have to trust in the goodwill of anyone bigger than me or the conviction of society to protect me. I can stick up for myself.

These women- all women, in fact all people who suffer oppression- share one thing in common. They don't fight back because they can't. To every woman in America, in Europe, in Africa, and asia- to all the little girls in Warren Jeffs' oppression camps, the beaten and imprisoned shrouded women of extremist Islam, the mutilated girls of Africa- learn to fight. Fight back, fight for your lives, for the children you have now and may have in the future. Fight like a mother bear, like the mother you are.

Posted By L LaSalla, 25, Austin TX : 4:17 PM ET

Dr. Mukengere states"God is the only thing they can hold on to that no one can take away from them. They've lost their dignity. They've lost their womanhood. They have nothing left," he says. "But if you ask me, God forgot about Congo a long time ago."

Certainly not, Dr. Mukengere. I see His will in the person of you. You inspire thousands of readers with your persistance against evil in the face of futility.

Posted By D Burt, Wyoming Ohio : 4:17 PM ET

Catherine of NY formerly of France hit the nail right on the head. What goes on in the African nations is economic colonialism,South America finally woke up - that's why they're taking control of their oil fields.

All of the trade agreements and the IMF, World Bank, etc, are useless and do nothing but keep these governments in poverty. What needs to happen is international, globally enforceable laws must be passed to protect the indigenous people of these countries from having their resources raped as well as their people.

The Congo has no oil, so no one cares. The Sudan does, but not in Darfur. So we were all quick to get a peace agreement signed between the north and south, but we don't care about the west - the oil isn't there.

To get the oil and other commodities, the people are tossed off of their land by the foreign investors who come to drill or mine. Their governments don't care that their livelihood is gone, or they are now living on land belonging to a rival tribe, because they personally are being very well compensated for the leasing rights. Why don't the people rise up? In these aid dependant countries that's a death sentence. These governments control where the aid workers can travel to. They don't like you, your region gets cut off from aid, you die.

Our oil companies are complicit in this. Do you think Khadaffi is a real nice guy now? Do you think he got religion or something? No, he opened up lease agreements for oil drilling. Our companies were waiting in line but couldn't sign until we lifted the sanctions. That's why he's our friend now. Watch what happens once the oil is drilled and operating....they'll kick us out.

These are the people I would like to open immigration up to. They truly will die if we don't. The Central American people should march on their governments capitals and demand they get out of the trade agreements they signed with us and demand a piece of the pie. It's not that these countries themselves are poor, their people are poor because their governments are corrupt. Yet we continue to give them aid - though we cut it off from "corrupt" governments in Africa in a heartbeat.

We should cut off aid to these countries until they help their own people (Central America). The Africans should be allowed to migrate here in larger numbers from these horrible places that are no more than open concentration camps.

They deserve a better life.

Posted By Julie Chicag,Il : 4:20 PM ET

As a rape victim myself (though not nearly as horrid of one as most of those in the Congo), I feel nothing but hurt and desperation about the situation going on over there. It seems that unless the victims are hoarding oil in some hidden well, America wants nothing to do with them. America does nothing for victims of rape and hurt for those in its own country, and barely -- if at all -- acknowledges any sort of atrocity going on elsewhere.

It makes me sick sometimes to say that I'm an American, because this is NOT what I stand for at all. I wish the nation would be more driven to help others than help themselves -- lord knows we have enough already.

Posted By Stephanie K, Tallahassee, FL : 4:25 PM ET

Although I am fully aware of the atrocities that still happening every day, your article still punched me in guts with full power. Just how much those people can take from a fellow human being? Or are they really humans? I often wondered about the Germans that way after visiting Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. But now it is over 50 years since after WWII and yet, the atrocities go on and on...

What can we do to stop? Do we have to pray harder to God to stop the violence? Do we have to send troops there to kill those bastards? Do we need another ice age to start a new strenght of human race? WHAT CAN WE DO?????

Eva

Posted By Eva, Sierra Vista : 4:31 PM ET

There are plenty of people that pray for peace, but if praying were enough it would have come to be (borrowed from Jewel's song Life Uncommon). Sadly it does not surprise me that this administration has done nothing. It is up to us as a people to step up and say no more. Thank you for bringing it to our attention and giving us contact people so that we may do something besides pray.

Posted By Melina - Mesa, AZ : 4:45 PM ET

As I'm reading the comments, I'm wondering when will action be taken. I'm not referring to the U.S. government, although our government needs to take some type of action, but what about us individuals. Too many times I hear people say, 'we need to do something', but no one lifts a finger, and the situation is quickly forgotten when we go about our daily lives.

Thank you for reporting this story. The US needs to wake up and stop focusing on things that do not matter to humanity, like who won American Idol, and focus on what we can do to help others. This includes getting out and voting for politicians who will do something and help reshape the currently useless UN and the American people donating their time and money to organizations that really help people. Who cares if you spent $900 on a new pair of Manolos when atrocities like this are happening every second. We need to reshape our thinking as a people and a county.

Posted By Erica, Orlando, FL : 4:48 PM ET

Please ask the National Organization for Women to immediately send a delegation to this hospital bringing the message that we do care in the U.S.What can we send these women that would make a difference to them? Perhaps Bibles, hand lotion, and other small items that say that we care. The National Organization for Women should take this on or why do they even exist? And most importantly, there should be punishment for these atrocities. Please address that in an upcoming report.

Posted By Ann Donnelly, Vancouver WA : 4:50 PM ET

Steve Novak, if those women blame their God, the men who have done this to them have won everything. How could you expect these women to give up the only thing they have left after everything else has been so violently stripped from them? Losing their faith would leave them completely destroyed by these barbarians, and that is exactly what those men want.

My prayers and hopes go out to these women and they too are my heroes. How amazing it would be to come through such an atrocity with your faith not only still standing, but standing stronger than ever. What strength they have.

Posted By Jenn, Orlando Fl. : 4:56 PM ET

Jeff, Thank you for this piece. I pray that your message about these women carries throughout the world, and that eventually we will no longer allow things like this to happen.

Posted By James Neveau, Champaign, IL : 4:58 PM ET

Look at the irony of the situation where we are fighting against terrorism and finding an unending trail of enemies and there are women 10 hours ( via flight ) from us who have terrorist and enemies and rapists , dozens of them in every household striking every day and night.

Lets prioritize our activities.

Posted By Prashant Gupta,Milwaukee,WI : 5:03 PM ET

Dear Jeff, It breaks my heart to see the congolese women.Me and them are one, only separated by lake Tanganyika. They are my sisters, mothers, grandmothers. I heard them speak and sing in swahili which is my language.I feel their pain.I could see myself in them.But then Jeff you know what's depressing.People try to help sometimes, the money ends up in few politicians bank accounts! Our Leaders are so corrupt,they will commit all kinds of horrible crimes just to stay in power and steal more money and fatten their bank acc.in Geneva.and when their term in office ends they change the constitution so they can stay in power forever.And in the end the ones who suffer most are women and children.As the phrase in swahili says "when two Elephants (giants) fight,its the grass that suffers".Im hoping God will hear their cries soon.God bless those Congolese ladies, the Doctor and Mr. Koinange.

Posted By Subira Pontiac Mich : 5:09 PM ET

As a man of African decent, it hunts so bad to see the ongoing aftermath of slavery and colonialism. This type of behavior was first witnessed during those murderous days gone by. But the people who are now doing these things must still be arrested and locked up and /or found DOA at the door step of justice. Afrikan men must protect our women/children from any race or group seeking to harm them.

Posted By F. Washington - St. Louis : 5:11 PM ET

I think part of the reason that people in general don't do anything is, quite simply, that we don't know what to do. I felt utterly helpless as I read this article, helpless and horrified and confounded. Jeff, please keep reporting on these situations; we need to hear and we need to know what is going on. But also if you have any thoughts on how the average citizen can help (grassroots campaigns, organizations to send financial aid to, anything) please tell us that as well.

Thank you.

Posted By Grace, Los Angeles, CA : 5:13 PM ET

Here is the link for The Swedish Pentecostal Mission http://www.pmu.se/english/info/spm.phpHere you can find more information on how to help.

Posted By Melina - Mesa, AZ : 5:15 PM ET

Why is our government ignoring the situation in the DRC? Others here have already answered that one. Bush would have sent our military to stop the violence if this country had some natural resource the United States wanted.

I don't know which is worse. The violence perpetrated on these women or the indifference from the rest of the world, including the United States.

Posted By Joseph Kowalski, North Huntingdon, PA : 5:18 PM ET

Thank you, Jeff, for reporting this. Please keep reporting everything, the good and the bad from Africa. I'm glad for the fact that there is even a place in an american news station for a story like this, when Barbaro and American Idol get much more than their fair share. May God bless you and the people you met there. I'm looking for ways to help in my own small way.

Posted By Maria, Minneapolis, MN : 5:25 PM ET

One person commented that the US should re-direct its funds from Iraq to Africa. And I agree with this. However, the person isn't even from the US!!! What about the rest of the world (including Canada) stepping up and helping the US out! I can't believe there are woman around the world suffering like this. The UN needs to come together and put a stop to this!

Posted By Jess, Denver, CO : 5:45 PM ET

PLEASE MAKE THIS STORY IN PARTICULAR AND ALSO STORIES REGARDING THE ATROCITIES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE IN DARFUR A PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY PROGRAMMING. WE SURELY DON'T HEAR NEARLY ENOUGH ABOUT ALL OF THE HORRIBLE THINGS TAKING PLACE IN AFRICA ON THE DAILY. I FEEL THE MORE IT'S BROADCAST, ESPECIALLY IF DONE SO ON A DAILY BASIS RATHER THAN MONTHLY, IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE AND MORE AWARENESS CAN BE THROWN RIGHT IN ALL OF OUR FACES AND NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO ACT AS IF WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT. WE MUST ACT ASAP. THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. I'LL BE WATCHING THIS EVENING TO HOPEFULLY SEE A FOLLOW-UP STORY. THANKS AGAIN AC AND JEFF.

Posted By Toni, San Rafael, Ca : 5:47 PM ET

There's an earlier article here at 360 about an illegal immigrant having less rights that a dog. There are comments in that article by readers that basically say, since "you are here illegally, then you have no rights so git". Are we surprised horrific crimes are happening in Congo or any other place in the world, when here in the land of plenty we see people so detached from humanity that they would prefer to help their dogs than an 'illegal immigrant'?

Change the heart and we change the world. This is a mission all of us should personally embark on.

Posted By Kim Boyer - Ottoville, OH : 5:59 PM ET

I sit here at work....reading about the treacherous wrong doings for the women of the congo.......and I can't sit here and wonder: "If I am so blessed to live here in America....to have what i have..to never experience what these women have...what am i doing sitting in my comfortable job...thinking only of myself...while people suffer around me...and I have the means, the money and the compassion to help them?" This is what I wonder....and I pray that these thoughts will become real so that I may impact a life less fortunate than my own. I hope that other people can see it this way as well.

Posted By Jennifer Lucero El Paso TX : 6:12 PM ET

Jeff, I sit and read this here in my office and I wonder what can I do to help? How can average american citizens do something? I'd like to know. If I was a millionaire I'd send aid but maybe awareness is the key to get the right people who can do something NOW. Thanks for the story.

Posted By AnnMarie Hebert, Dallas, TX : 6:18 PM ET

Ufortunately rape is a disease which affects every continent. Placing our government in the impossible role of micromanaging every atrocity the world over is neither practical, nor realistic. I suggest we deal with one of our own problems in a practical way as voting citizens.

There are acts of sexual barbarity being committed by American pedophiles the world over. We need to encourage the media to continue to expose pedophiles and their antics both here, and abroad! Vote for judges that will apply the law against pedophiles, and and increase the severity of their sentences. This is something we as Americans can contribute to in the war against sexual predation. And we don't have to invade another country to do it.

Posted By Bill McAllen, TX : 6:50 PM ET

I've determined to stand up and speak out as often as I'm allowed to be heard (and even when it falls on deaf ears---eventually, maybe it'll get through to someone)on the subject of God "allowing" or "perpetrating" atrocities on mankind. Ever since Christ's sacrifice, according to God's Holy Word, God is not mad with anyone anymore. God saw the travail of Christ's soul and was SATISFIED. The reason we see our world in the state it's in, the reason we see heinous crimes and atrocities, is because, many men, acting as free moral agents, have chosen against God's will and have decided in their free will to commit acts of lawlessness and hatred. God made man to fellowship with Him, but He doesn't require man to do so. As man steps further and further from the light of truth and perfect love, the corrupting influence of sin eats away, like any rot, at what small barometer of personal decency man has, absent of his Creator.These women can sing and praise because, as terrible as their circumstances are, God is greater than all of it and can bring true and complete healing where man cannot imagine healing could ever exist. I know firsthand. All who attribute evil attributes or intentions to God do not know Him at all. God is not tempted of evil, nor can He tempt of evil. There is no evil that can exist in His presence. That's why, when Adam fell into sin, he had to leave the garden. God does not demand of any man today any sacrifice; Christ is our sacrifice. All these people claiming to hear "God" telling them to murder their children may be hearing voices, but it's not God's voice, I can assure you.

Posted By Anne Brown, Jacksonville, FL : 7:06 PM ET

Nothing could be more horrible than this story - but why are so many so quick to blame America for every evil - the men who commit these crimes are to blame - no decent person acts in this fashion - how does a human being fall to such depraved depths - sin and evil go hand in hand - Christians pray for these suffering women and their families

Posted By Maryann - Walnut Creek, CA : 8:10 PM ET

I must really thank you for bringing such subject to our notice. Such atrocities. Oprah is also doing a wonderful job and Jeff, God Bless you for bringing such authentic stories to us. I remember when Ted was leaving ABC news and he said that we now in this modernized age give importance to stories which has no imporantce which becomes a big talk in the media ignoring the humiliation inflicted on these poor women of Congo. We should all stand against this and wage a war against the Congo men, the sex starved people.

Posted By Nuzhat, Chicago, Illinois : 10:04 PM ET

Jeff, please, do a follow up article. Tell those of us who are more interested in human beings than oil fields what we can do to help. As a woman who grew up in Nigeria, I fear for my fellow African women. Please Jeff, please continue to make people aware and please let us know what you think is the best way to help these women.Thank you.

Posted By Medina - Federal Way, WA : 11:17 PM ET

It is stories like these that remind everyone of the strength and endurance of the human spirit. To here the stories of theses women and listen to the faith that they still hold makes me sit back and appreciate the safety that so many Americans feel they have. People need something to hold on to and believe in that is greater than themselves without this knowledge of an unconditional love the women of Congo would have most defiantly lost not only there womanhood but their souls as well. I am glad that these women have something to hold on to and give them hope, despite the horridness of the evil done to them. I feel that if more people had the courage to hold onto God or whatever it is that they derive their strength from, despite tragedies that may befall them; the world would be a better place. Thank you for sharing this story I am sure that the women who you wrote about find consolation in the fact that now many can acknowledge their suffering and affirm that they were victimized.

Posted By Amanda Castro, Ventura, Ca : 11:22 PM ET

Jeff,

I agree with these women..there must be a God for there is surely unimaginable evil a virtual hell on earth for these women. What a story..my heart is breaking.

Posted By Em Salt Lake City, Utah : 11:38 PM ET

To Anne Brown - THANK YOU for putting it so clearly. I appreciate your words for they speak of the truth of God and His love and power to heal in the midst of unspeakable evil. Those who say they act on God's behalf are in fact acting on 'a' god's behalf but it is not the one, true god, but an evil god for they exist in vast numbers, deceiving and killing God's children whenever possible. I am so thankful that I have God on my side. Who can come against God and succeed? There is None!!

Posted By Cat Stoothoff, Spokane, WA : 11:46 PM ET

I am angry. Angry that this story is real and exists in this day and age. I am angry that this is not on the top of every news broadcast. I am angry that very little is being done to stop it.

Please keep up your reporting. Please make more of America angry. Hopefully then, we will start to see real change.

I am angry. I am going to do something about it. Thank you Jeff.

Posted By Anna Sealander, Costa Mesa, CA : 1:26 AM ET

Amazing Article.

"God forgot about Congo a long time ago." I guess the US and the rest of the world did as well. Let's hope that we don't continue to neglect the real problems in the world.

Posted By Mathew, Raleigh, NC : 1:28 AM ET

We will always blame America, as they want to act as the police of the world, if they do so they should it properly not to anly places with their econimic interest, if they cant do it they should step aside and let every one to make their own decisions.

Posted By Kevin Luande Dar Es Salaam Tanzania. : 1:45 AM ET

This situation is so heartbreaking. Is there a particular organization where we can make donations that will go directly towards helping Dr. Mukengere and these precious women and children who have been brutalized? Are there any items we can collect and send that may be helpful to them?

May God bless the doctor and his staff and give them the strength to continue. And God bless you, Jeff, for having such a sweet soul. You are making such a difference for those who most desperately need help and hope. Thank you!

Posted By Bunny, Charlotte NC : 2:08 AM ET

When we disregard others because they are not of the same tribe, color, race, beliefs and when we exploit other people for our sustenance of supposedly comfy lifestyles, it has unstoppable rippling effect propagating from one community to another. Our children will grow up to eventually and unknowingly destroy the habitats and the precious lives whom we depend on, if not now, then it's hundred years from now; if it's not much now, then it will be much in a few hundred years from now. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren will see the devastating effect of abuses of power and sex.

Posted By Willie, Short Hills, NJ : 2:59 AM ET

The United States is not to blame for this atrocity. The United States, and it's current administration, can only do one thing at a time. The fact is that we ARE currently engaged in military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other operations in several other countries- like it or not. We simply do not have the resources or manpower to do everything.

Why must the United States police the world? Are we the ONLY country on Earth? Are we the ONLY country with a military? In the simplest terms, the French and Brittish caused this problem, let them fix it. If we pull out of the Middle East now, all that our brave men and women, who have fought and died for will be for naught. You may as well spit on their graves. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with the current war in Iraq. I am glad, however, that we are fighting the terrorists on their soil and not ours.

I agree that something needs to be done in Africa. But do you remember the last time we tried to help out there? Does the name Somalia ring a bell? It was a COMPLETE disaster, and the people of Somalia DID NOT WANT US THERE. Period. They hated the fact that we tried to help. They did everything they could to kill American soldiers at every turn. They made every attempt to assist the warlords who ultimatly ousted our military. Remember? I do, because I was there.

There are no easy answers here. However, simply sending troops in is not the answer. I would have thought that you all would have picked up on that from our current and past military activities. Perhaps the liberals are just as blind to this as the conservatives when it comes to a topic they care about?

Posted By Retired Major, USMC, Lansing MI : 3:37 AM ET

The truth is that waiting for the mainstream news to report stories like this means you won't hear about these atrocities until it's been going on for some time.

I first read about this last year in Ms. Magazine, a feminist publication. That article went into even further depth on the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma these women have suffered and continue to suffer. Not only are these women physically brutalized but they are shunned by their families and communities afterwards due to the way rape is still viewed in the world.

This is not the first time this method of rape as genocide has been used. It was also a tactic employed in the war in the former Yugoslavia against the Muslim women, to ensure they were ostracized and would no longer conceive children.

If you want to know, really know, what is happening in the world, you must SEEK out the information. Don't wait for it to come to you, by then it could be too late.

Posted By Mariah, NY, NY : 3:49 AM ET

God has definitely NOT forgotten about the Congo. I am certain that God takes individuals through whatever He has to take them through to become the people He desires for them to be.God Bless The Congo.

Posted By C.L. Bradford Jr., Cambridge, MA : 11:13 AM ET

I just sat down to start reading your blog, eary this morning or yesturday morning, while I watched this story on the news just pained me, reading this just added more tears.

I can't believe how widespread rape is there. We have a problem in the United States but we are free to come together every year for a "Take Back the Night" March in which hundreds show up, possibly millions in some places to show their support.

This can't go on anymore, I am not educated enough to know what they can and can not do in Congo but I can not stand by and know that more of these events take place.

We need a strong UN, we need a strong force of people who want this to end...not just in America but other places as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a rape occurs here in America ever two minutes. That is shocking here but what is it in Congo and other places that have a very high percentage of sexual assaults?

The crime is disguisting and it needs to be stopped...no matter where it is.

Posted By Elizabeth, Frankfort KY : 8:54 PM ET

This is indeed a horrible situation, but I ask those who say our military should go there. What exactly do you expect them to do? Make it a police state? It is difficult to form a war plan in scenarios such as these.

I also agree with those who say we should be doing something. If this bothers you so bad, why leave it to the government? Why not join a mission? Join the peace corps? What these people need is other people, not a military, not a faceless government to send money that gets stolen by their corrupt leadership. They need people to show compassion and care just like those of you have shown on this board.

Really, do you trust a government, any government to actually help these women and provide the type of compassion and love they deserve?

What are you going to do? Don't push the responsibility off on a faceless government. If we as individuals do nothing, then we are as much to blame at the end of the day.

Posted By a peterson, sacramento, ca : 12:48 PM ET

Too bad the report didn't ask what former rebel group the FARDC soldiers who committed the crimes were from. Chances are, you'd find they are from the RCD-G group, which is armed and trained by the Rwandan government, whose chief officers, President Kagame (who is in Washington today) and James Kabarebe, were trained at Ft. Leavensworth KS in the late 80's just before they split from the Ugandan army and formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front and invaded Rwandan in Oct. 1990.

Lastly, to the Akron writer, there is oil in Congo along Lake Victoria. The British firm Hertitage Oil has the concessions and is run by Tony Buckingham, the chief investor in the former Private Military Company Executive Outcomes which was active in Congo-Zaire in 1996 during the coup by Laurent Kabila.

Posted By David from Chicago, IL : 3:47 PM ET

Unfortunately, these are people of color and were that NOT the case, I doubt very seriously that WE (the United States) would allow this type of treatment of human beings to continue...especially for the length of time that it has.It does seem that human rights issues are only an issue when they involve people on non-African ancestry. What a pity!!

Posted By Philander, Peoria, IL : 3:47 PM ET

We (all of us: men/women of all colors) have to come together as men and women of faith to pray for the restoration and justice for nation of Congo. God is able to restore the government of a nation! God is love and merciful!

Posted By Henry, Alhambra, California : 3:50 PM ET

These "unforgiveable" acts by members of his military will be tolerated by Kabila, despite his words of grief. As long as the military supports him and his presidency, no punishment will be meted out. That is the saddest commentary.

The responses to this article are incredible. Everything from race, oil, capitalism, international aide, lack of international aide, ignorance, males in general, the United States, the United Nations, and God have been blamed or at least seen as contributing to this travesty. For me, I can say nothing. The trajedy is too great to conform to a single political ideology.

Posted By David, San Antonio TX : 4:21 PM ET

There no words to describe the people that do these things to other fellow living beings. Even calling them "animals" and "barbaric" is an injustice to those two words.

I agree with the many other postings about redirecting the money spent on Iraq to Congo and surrounding areas. This is one place where we can give selflessly, without any return expectations. We need to do it for the sake of humanity. We need to do it because we are human beings and can feel the plight of others.

For the politicians: If the United States wants to regain it's foothold as a truly democratic nation that is concerned about world issues, Congo would give the politicians their chance to revive their souls and our country's image. And this is coming from a life-long Conservative, Mr. Bush and Co.

When a group of people or a way of thought exceeds all limits of humanity and respect for living beings, the only way to contain and eventually eliminate that movement is to leverage the very tactics they use! In my opinion, brute force is the only way to deal with these types of issues. These people have lost their privilege to live. Yes, I said "privilege".

Posted By Rushang Shah, Portland Ore. : 4:31 PM ET

Why is it that the President of the Congo is surprised and "concerned?" He should be absolutely outraged that the army he is in charge of behaves in such a manner...and they do so because he allows it. If he didn't know he should have...and if he did know, shame on him.

Posted By Jennifer, Alexandria, VA : 4:41 PM ET

Its very sickening when a horse can get national attention and sympathy but not the suffering women of Congo. But media dictates our lives these days and we know only what we see or read. The TV news channels and the newspapers and magazines can do a much better job of attracting international attention to the Congo crisis by giving it more coverage. But its all tied to TV ratings and money and so I dont see that happening. What a pity.We should all be ashamed of ourselves.

Posted By Mogambo, Raleigh, NC : 4:50 PM ET

It simply amazing how some of you can use a tragedy such as this to beat your selfish anti-war drums.

Posted By Greg H. St. Louis, MO : 4:50 PM ET

It's a very sad day when things of this nature can happen for all of society to witness. I can't believe that the President didn't know that this was going on. If he doesn't move quickly to stop this, then he's just as guilty.

The U.S. and other Nations are quick to jump in for things of lesser importance, why not here? Why not send some kinda of group there to help? Where is the UN? A better question is "why does the UN exsist in the first place?".

Posted By Denise, Jackson Mississippi : 4:53 PM ET

I have such a hard time believing Joseph Kabila's innocence in this travisty. Of course he knows what the military is doing - everyone in the world has known for quite some time. When does the media stop trying to sway public opinion (good or bad) on political leaders who are caught up in covering up their actions or the actions of others! There was a time when the media actually sought the truth. I respectfully submit that the media is no more than yellow journalism today. The Congo is a hot topic due to the "American Celebrity" attention that Africa is currently subjected to. I believe that something should be done, but supporting Kabila's innocence internationally does not solve the problem. It makes the whole media arena hypocritical.

Posted By Tina White, Pueblo, CO : 4:55 PM ET

This is nothing but many atrocities going on in Africa. This has been going on before Slavery. And we wonder why the world does not care. That's what was done to them before and at the beginning of Slavery. God Will Prevail, God Will Prevail.

Posted By Anita, Lilburn, Georgia : 4:56 PM ET

Thanks to CNN and to Mr Koinange for his report. What is happening in Congo is simply horrible, and the origin of these atrocities stems from the April 1994 when Congo opened its doors to more than a million fleeing Rwandans refugees under pressure from the International Community.Today the primary responsible party, is the government. The Kabila crew (father and son) have been in power for 9 years and during those nine years there has not been any improvement in the military. They are badly paid, poorly equipped, often left to fend for themselves. So most of them turn towards the population and ransack them. Earlier this year some soldiers died of starvation in military camps, the payment of soldier was so inefficient that the European Union took over the tasks. WHY is that you may ask? Because most soldier have been recruited during the wars (1997 through 2001) given a AK-47 and that's it. They have received no training and have morphed into incontrolable thugs.The head of the army himself (president Kabila) who has the rank of General has no formal military education except for 6 months stint in China.... That's the real issue in Congo: we are lead by thugs who came to power by the gun, using foreign armies (Rwanda, Ouganda and Burundi), these people had no ideology except that of taking power and making themselves rich, and to achieve their aim they had to recruit young kids in their army, these rapes, violence is the results of a decade of wars, kids that were forced to fight for the cause of these thugs who are in power today.

Posted By Mpinga, Houston Texas : 5:03 PM ET

Instead of sending money to the RNC to have thier faith based representitives elected. Perhaps those moneys should be sent to help these women and girls via thier church affiliates !This horror should be stopped and can be if we as a Christian Nation stand up and demand that action be taken by our elected officials. Our action will be seen around the world and others will follow.

Posted By Scot- Tacoma, Wash : 5:14 PM ET

I salute your coverage of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the sufferings of millions of people have just been forgotten too long by the International Community. This coverage begs the following fundamental questions: 1) What additional steps does the international community need to take in order to stop not only rapes by military, but also the unjustifiable war that have claimed so many Congolese lives? 2) What could the United States do to bring peace not only in the Congo, but in the entiere region of Great Lakes?Personally, I strongly believe that the United States could play a more active role into pacifiying the region and restoring hope. The world is comparable to the human body. When a part of it is suffering, the rest of the body could not be at peace. The U.S.and International Community would be of greater service if they could take strong measures banning countries like Rwanda and Uganda from sending their armies in the Congo. The region will benefit greatly in the absence of dictators such as Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. All in all, let us hope that God will touch the right people who could bring change to the Congo. Thanks again for your article. I hope that you'll remain the voice of the voiceless.

Posted By Joseph T Mbangu, Tucson, AZ : 5:15 PM ET

I've been to Kinshasa four times and have heard the cries of the people. We must equip leaders of integrity in Congo within the churches, government, business community and military who will be agents of positive change.

Posted By Jonathan, Rockwall, TX : 5:23 PM ET

I feel disgusted with what is going on in the Congo, but why is it always the fault of the United States? Why not focus on the corrupt government instead? Most of the money and resources that are sent to these African countries from the USA and elsewhere, never reach the people anyway. It is a vicious circle and no matter how much is sent there from charity, it does not end the suffering. Take a "long look" at the people running these countries and you have the solution.

Posted By C LaStella Auburn WA : 5:35 PM ET

It's realy sad when all the news can report is that Brad and Angelina had their baby. BFD! He cheats on his wife, she is nothing but a mistress!! Lets get some REAL news in there. I feel sad about these women in the Congo, and even sadder that we as a Country can' not help as much as we should. My God be with them.

Posted By Lori M, Hubbard, OR. : 5:40 PM ET

I believe it is quite sad that their own government has no control over these evil acts. The belief of some, that God is doing this for a reason, is the second saddest commentary on these atrocities. This is pure evil, the acts of men, and not of a loving God. The government needs to take control.

Posted By Nancy Walker Rocklin : 6:06 PM ET

Congratulations to Jeff Koinange once again for his insightful, factual reporting from the Central African region. How said indeed that the world's opinion of this promising continent is mired in suspicion, disgust and apathy toward its leaders and the current despair in Darfur, Cote d'Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo. I live and work in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, and each day find hope and inspiration in the hearts and minds of young students and promising politicans who struggle against formidable odds to emulate the freedom, democracy and courage of the United States and our American dream. Let's not disappoint them.

Jeff & Anderson...you guys are so fantastic and do great, fabulous, awesome, phenomenal work...thank you for being a relational journalist. the world needs to know...

Posted By lagunalees, Las Vegas, NV : 6:15 PM ET

This is so unbelievably inhumane what is happening to these women. HOWEVER-as so many have said, this has to be stopped! Do we in America or any free nation-really want to pay the price? Or are we offering lip service to ease our minds at the moment? Will we soon forget or back out of any commitment of help? To stop this, a free nation must back their words up with quick action that is resolved to stay until there is a change in the people towards equality and value of life. Freedom is a gift that cost our ancestors dearly. The cost of freedom is still high today. Until there are more nations that experience freedom, we will all be prisoners of violence and inhumane acts, whether physically or mentally.Those who live in freedom must have a presence where change is needed, otherwise resources-money, people and other forms of help-get abused and the ways of freedom are not passed on.We in America have been doing our best to do that in Iraq. At first everyone sounded like this blog, do something. Now that it is taking longer and is costing us more than WE think it should be, we want to call it a mistake and want out. When will we mean what "we the people" say and be slower to blame those who are hanging on the latest political popularity vote to quickly save us. America needs determination and faith, or we too will one day be absorbed by the evil that destroys so quickly.God bless these women.

Posted By K.Deiterman, Las Vegas, NV : 6:29 PM ET

I am from Congo and born in the region were these atrocities are occurring. Satan is using these people. These evil people will be brought to justice. What make me more sad is that a lot of our politician don't care about the tragedy that is happening.

Posted By Francois M, Ft Wayne Indiana : 6:48 PM ET

This is just one of the many "atrocities" and "human rights abuse" that you hear politicians speaking of everyday, that is commonplace in some parts of Africa. Unfortunately, the developed countries of the world have grown used to these abuses and curelty and accept it as a way of life rather than take some action to change it.Regarding Prasad's comment(Atlanta), this is pure unadulterated human behavior and NOT animal behavior. Having lived in Kenya and being an avid animal lover, I understand the difference quite well. Animals are driven by instincts for survival, whereas sadistic humans enjoy inflicting pain and suffering to fellow human beings and animals alike. Please do not be so ignorant that you think that we are better than "animals".

Posted By Sam, Los Angeles, CA : 8:51 PM ET

Thank you for publishing this.

Please tell us what we can do to help.

Posted By Justin, Long Beach, CA : 9:18 PM ET

Jeff,Thank you for exposing the story on what is happening to our sisters in the Congo. I was one of those who sent Dr. Mukengere an e-mail offering any assistance that I could. I was quite surprised to have received a reply so quickly. These barbarian acts of sexual violence against the young girls and women are more than what any human being can bear. We as women,are one all over the world regardless of nationality. Every women who hears about this story should feel some level of emotional pain for our sisters and for ourselves as women. I would love to have the opportunity to go to the Congo and offer any emotional help that I can to our sisters. Until that time, I am trying to come up with a plan to help raise funds to help Dr. Mukengere at the hospital of Pansi. This is the time for women all over the world to rise up and take a stand in doing whatever we can do to help our sisters in the Congo.Again, thank you for bringing this story to the forefront.Ann Webb

Posted By Ann Webb, Atlanta, Ga. : 3:12 PM ET

Is there anything we can do to stop the rapes? I know there are links to give money to provide care for these women, but is there anything we can do to get to the core of the problem, i.e., raise awareness, petition, etc.? Please provide links to organizations that are acting on this atrocity.

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